CLAIMS of an earthquake in Swindon this afternoon were a little premature, after the British Geological Survey (BGS) clarified confusion surrounding tremors in the town.

Seismometers belonging to the earth science experts in the town did pick up ground movement caused by the earthquake, which began in the Bristol Channel, but this was not great enough for humans to feel it.

A seismologist at the BGS said there were instruments near Glasgow which also felt the effects of the earthquake, and may have even been recordings noted as far afield as France, such is the sensitivity of the equipment.

He also said human reports furthest away from the epicentre were felt in Gloucester.